Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983)

Synopsis of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence was the first English-language project of Japanese director Nagisa Oshima (Death by Hanging, In the Realm of the Senses). In tune with his previous filmic essays on racism and brutality, Merry Christmas concentrates on a war of wills between rebellious POW David Bowie and camp commandant Ryuichi Sakomoto. Assuming that his other prisoners' unwillingness to protest their cruel treatment is a sign of weakness, Sakomoto is most impressed by Bowie's enigmatic defiance. While Bowie and Sakomoto seem to be operating on a high spiritual and intellectual plane, bilingual prisoner Tom Conti (the "Mr. Lawrence" of the title) engages in a more standard adversarial relationship with sadistic sergeant Takeshi Kitano. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

123 mins

Director(s):

Nagisa Oshima

Writer(s):

Nagisa Oshima, Paul Mayersberg

Producer(s):

Geoffrey Nethercott, Terry Glinwood, Masato Hara

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Brief Nudity, Adult Language, Violence, Not For Children, Adult Situations, Graphic Violence)

Categories:

Foreign, War, Drama

• 1983 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Score
• 1983 - National Board of Review - Best Actor

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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